Went to my 32 week doctor appointment today. Evan's heartbeat was good...134 and I gained a pound! woohoo! :) Still one pound under my pre pregnancy weight, but seriously look at that stomach! ha! We are going back next Wed. to get an ultrasound because I asked our doctor to see him again...I miss seeing Evan's face! so...check back soon! :)

Your pregnancy: 32 weeks

How your baby's growing:

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

How your life's changing:

To accommodate you and your baby's growing needs, your blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since you got pregnant. With your uterus pushing up near your diaphragm and crowding your stomach, the consequences may be shortness of breath and heartburn. To help relieve your discomfort, try sleeping propped up with pillows and eating smaller meals more often.

You may have lower-back pain as your pregnancy advances. If you do, let your caregiver know right away, particularly if you haven't had back pain before, since it can be a sign of preterm labor.

Assuming it's not preterm labor that's ailing you, you can probably blame your growing uterus and hormonal changes for your aching back. Your expanding uterus shifts your center of gravity and stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, changing your posture and putting a strain on your back. Hormonal changes in pregnancy loosen your joints and the ligaments that attach your pelvic bones to your spine. This can make you feel less stable and cause pain when you walk, stand, sit for long periods, roll over in bed, get out of a low chair or the tub, bend, or lift things.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Since our house is a mess, I decided to get some stuff done in Evan's room today. Yes...I did enjoy a pedicure and a decaf mocha. yum... I still have a lot more work to do in there, but at least most of the hanging stuff is up. I am waiting on our 3 white frames to put over his bed. It makes me smile every time I go in there. He'll be here soon! :)

I'm so excited to be off this week for spring break. Mike and I had lots we wanted to accomplish and so far, I think we are getting most of it done. Monday we left STL and came back and his parents have been working hard painting our hallway and trim and doors in our house. It looks so good and Mike is so thankful that he didn't have to do it! ;) We got back and went to pick up 3 bi-fold doors for our closets and a new heavy duty trash can. We also have workers in our basement putting up drywall and a small floor board heater in the laundry room, so we've been listening to them pound, hammer, saw, etc. but at least it is getting done. I feel bad that I can't do anything to help especially with the paint, so I've been getting caught up on grad school work. I'm excited to have it all complete though. I've also started putting things up in Evan's room and trying to decide where I want it all to go. We don't have any definite plans this week except getting the house in order for Evan's arrival and spending time together. Yesterday was gorgeous weather and today, not so much. It stinks because we have to keep Jack inside and baby gated in the kitchen because the workers have the downstairs door off (where he can't go) and the hallway is being painted, so he can't go there either. I'm hoping the weather is nice tomorrow and the rest of the week so he can outside. If you are on spring break this week, I hope it is nice and relaxing for ya! :)

Monday, March 23, 2009

Your pregnancy: 31 weeks

How your baby's growing:

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Wow! Mike and I were completely blown away this weekend. The Morrison's planned a game night which we were going to, but everyone else knew that it had a twist to it...it was a surprise baby shower for Mike and I and baby Evan! We were completely, 100% shocked to say the least. First, we were a little late because we had to drop Jack off at my parent's house and when we arrived and walked in, we noticed the presents and cake in the dining room. Mike said, "I think we just got surprised!" I went around the corner and noticed Dan and Amanda, who came into town from Indy, and said over, and over, and over "SHUT UP!" I could not believe it. Mike was behind the staircase, composing himself before walking into the living room. I said did you see who is here? He said no...He came around the corner and saw Amanda first and then Dan. It was so great to see them, especially for driving 5 hours to come to the surprise. I turned around and saw, the Malones, the Swinigans, and yeah!...my sister came too! :) It was a great surprise! I couldn't believe that no one said anything or let it slip and it was such a great evening. We played some baby shower games and then played Wits and Wagers. We had an amazing cake and we opened some meaningful and special presents. Sawyer kept saying that is was someone's birthday, and couldn't believe that there was an actual baby in my stomach and these gifts were for him. He was also excited that there would be another boy for him to eventually play with since most of our friends have girls. :) Heather and Ryan, thank you so much for opening your home for a great evening filled with fun, friends, and laughter! I still keep thinking of Amanda's story about Dan and the drool! ;0). Amanda and Dan, thank you so much for driving in and spending time with us. Give the girls a big hug and kiss and I hope Mal is feeling better! Kel, thank you for coming over and hanging out even though it was the last few days of your spring break! Erin, Mike, Heather, and Kevin, thank you for coming over to make it a special night for Mike and I. We really appreciate everything!!!!

Friday, March 20, 2009

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Seriously...I definitely think we have a soccer player in our future with little Evan! He has been kicking so much more lately and it is non stop all day long. It's so funny and feels so weird! I love it. My students love feeling my belly to see if they can get him to kick....

Spring break is going to be here soon!!! I have 1 more day of class and I am so excited to have a week break. I can't wait to get stuff done that I actually want to accomplish, instead of stuff I need to do for class. We are going to head to St. Louis after my class Sat. and then come back sometime on Monday evening. The good news is that Mike took off too, so we have Sat.-Wed. off and then he has to head back to work. Hopefully we can get a ton of house stuff done before break is over. I would love to hire someone to come give our house a really good deep spring cleaning. One more day until break....yes! :)

This has been a really hard week for me emotionally. One of my good friends, who I played soccer with growing up, gave birth to a baby boy on Monday. She was 38 weeks, but the baby apparently was only 4 lbs 6 oz. He has 2 holes in his heart and had to have abdominal surgery...he also might have down's syndrome. I haven't heard any updates in the past couple of days, but my heart hurts for my friend. This was completely shocking to them and they don't know what else to do for now but pray and wait. Also, we had a kindergarten student at our school pass away earlier this week. His sister is in 5th grade and this is a wonderful family and I just can't believe this happened. He was fine Friday while he was at school and apparently was sick over the weekend and at the beginning of the week. We still haven't heard exactly what happened or how he died. His funeral is Saturday and I just feel awful about the situation....for my friend who was his teacher, for his classmates, his family, etc. He was only 5. We had to tell our students today and it was really hard to do.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Sunday we had a double bridal shower for 2 of my co-workers from my school. We had a great time and loved seeing them so happy! One of the funniest things is our school sign that we have for bridal showers.....do you see it? It says BRIDA SHOWER! Ha! :) Can you believe we bought it like that and haven't gotten a new one or replaced it?! I think it is hilarious!

Things looked good at our doctor appointment today. Evan's heartbeat was in the 130's and our doctor said it is probably because he has just woken up, usually it is in the 150's. Last Thursday I had to go in to get a non-stress test because my blood pressure was really low, but all was well with the baby. I had gained 5 pounds in 9 days and was at 170 (2 pounds over my pre pregnancy weight!) Then today...I went in and was 166 (lost 4 pounds in 5 days!) Argh! The doc doesn't seem too worried because he knows Evan is growing! I guess that is good for me too! :) Evan is about 2.25 pounds right now and is estimating he'll be around 7.5 pounds...I still can't believe I am 30 weeks and there is about 10 to go! Wow!!! He is definitely moving and kicking a ton more and I love it! :) I'll try to post my 30 week pictures soon!

I hope you are all enjoying the wonderful weather and having a great St. Patrick's Day!!!
This is my new St. Patty's shirt to accompany my growing belly! You can see the bump at the bottom of the picture!

We've had a very productive week! Mike put together the dresser and changing table/combo and the only thing that is left is the crib. It's all coming together! :) There is only 1 more week before spring break so I've been busy with grad school (trying to finish my portfolio and my getting my 5th grade class ready for testing after break. We start MAP testing the Tues. after break, which is never any fun. It is 9 days of testing, and it is never any fun for the kids or for us. We are headed to trivia night tonight with some of Mike's co workers to help support the Humane Society. I love trivia!!!! :) Other than that, not too much is going on....just keeping busy and trying to get lots done!
What are you looking forward to the most with spring just around the corner???

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Monday, March 9, 2009

Your pregnancy: 29 weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

Your baby's very active now. Your practitioner may ask you to spend some time each day counting kicks and will give you specific instructions on how to do this. Let her know if you ever notice a decrease in activity. You may need a nonstress test or biophysical profile to check on your baby's condition.

Some old friends — heartburn and constipation — may take center stage now. The pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout your body, including your gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation, coupled with the crowding in your abdomen, slows digestion, which in turn can cause gas and heartburn — especially after a big meal — and contribute to constipation as well.

Your growing uterus may also be contributing to hemorrhoids. These swollen blood vessels in your rectal area are common during pregnancy and usually clear up in the weeks after giving birth. If they're itchy or painful, try soaking in a sitz bath or applying cold compresses medicated with witch hazel to the affected area. Also avoid sitting or standing for long stretches. Talk with your practitioner before using any over-the counter remedies during pregnancy, and let her know if you have any rectal bleeding. To prevent constipation, eat a high-fiber diet, drink plenty of water, and get some regular exercise.

Some women get something called "supine hypotensive syndrome" during pregnancy, where laying flat on your back causes a change in heart rate and blood pressure that makes you feel dizzy until you change position. You might note that you feel lightheaded if you stand up too quickly, too. To avoid "the spins" lie on your side rather than your back, and move slowly as you go from lying down to sitting and then standing.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Since my old phone has been on the outs for awhile and Mike lost (misplaced) his the other day, we decided to check to see if we could upgrade our phones. And guess what....we both could! woohoo! I upgraded mine to the Sprint Samsung Rant and Mike just got a basic one, but I love mine because it is purple! :) I found this picture online so you can at least see it and how pretty that purple is! Love it!

Yesterday was our very first baby shower thrown by my great friends, Kayla and Krista. They did a fantastic job decorating and hosting. I was completing overwhelmed by all of the great gifts for our little boy. The guests created a scrapbook page so we could put together an album that was already made, so now all we need to do is have him here to take some pictures to put it all together. It was such a great idea!!! We had some great food and the cupcakes were made by Kayla's friend, Debbie. They were amazing...lemon, coconut, and raspberry! Yummy!!! I was so glad that my mom and sister could come into town to meet some of our friends and join us for the first shower. We had a blast talking, catching up and sharing stories and I am so thankful that so many of our friends could come to help us celebrate! Thank you!!!!